Question NW3044 to the Minister of Health
11 October 2023 - NW3044
Shaik Emam, Mr AM to ask the Minister of Health
Whether, given that Muslim women, to whom it is customary to have their heads covered, are being restricted while on duty in healthcare facilities all over the Republic from wearing their head gear, and noting that the head gear poses no risk and/or danger to patients or the worker wearing it, he intends to intervene in the specified matter; if not, why not; if so, by what date will such intervention take place?
Reply:
While it is customary for women of the Muslim faith to have their heads covered, not all Muslim women cover their heads. The nursing profession has members of the Muslim faith who currently do not wear head gear.
It is the employer’s responsibility to provide the uniform or give a cash allowance to its employees if the wearing of a uniform is a condition for their work. This is also aligned to the prescripts and regulatory framework of the nursing profession as reflected in the SA Nursing Council regulations. Chief amongst these is the imperative to uphold and portray professional identity and image, in addition to minimising any potential risk to patient safety. The regulations stipulate that the wearing of the uniform should enable all nurses to display the devices which distinguish a nurse providing care in line with her professional qualifications from others.
The dress code for nurses has always served as an administrative instrument to give effect to all these service obligations that are imposed by the profession on their members. However, since 2005 nurses were provided with an allowance to purchase own uniform. The unintended consequence has been a lack of standardisation in terms of colour, material composition and quality of garment. Thus, posing a threat to historic professional image of a nurse. Hence the recent circular intended to restore standardisation in wearing of uniform. In addition to affirming the historic position of the department regarding wearing of adornment while on duty
The National department of Health is aware of the objection raised by Muslims organisations. This is the first time that the decade old practice reading wearing of adornment while on duty is being challenged. The Department remains open to engage with any affected stakeholder in this regard.
END.